Mike’s Poilu of Reserve 24th Regt.

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Opening up ‘24 & aiming to be more productive.
Last year was a hectic whirl of activities, keeping busy.
Here’s an oldie, but a goodie done in my style for your interest & amusement.

His back story & theme was inspired by a young French WW1 fan, Yannick Oliveres, he reassures us there are those of the younger generation interested in history too.

Metal Modeles 150mm classic sculpted by Michel Saez

Réserve Poilu 24e RI, c.1917-18
C'est pas joli, mais alors la guerre ne l'est jamais…
(It is not pretty, but then war never is…)

 

[housecarl]

Is this the one that's in your book Mike?
Outstanding as usual.

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Is this the one that's in your book Mike?
Outstanding as usual.

Yep that’s him Karl - finally finished!
Thanks & Happy ‘24 mate

 

[Steve Ski]

Awesome way to kick start the new year! Good to see you posting again, Mike.

 

[Robert Jan de Wit]

Great to see your posting this one.
Lovely details and use of contrasts. The jacket and the embroidery is awesome.

greets,
RJ

 

[Chrisr]

Another excellent work Mike. The realism of your painting is exceptional and inspirational.
cheers
Chris

 

[Scott Sheltz]

Outstanding! Not much else you can say

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Awesome way to kick start the new year! Good to see you posting again, Mike.

Thanks Ski!
And yep great to be back on the brushes, with lots of projects lined up. Trust ‘24 has begun well for you all.

Great to see your posting this one.
Lovely details and use of contrasts. The jacket and the embroidery is awesome.
greets, RJ

Hi Robert, appreciate comment, thanks!!
Enjoying your latest project on Wingate, plus neat backgrounder on your den.
Will add a comment over there soon.

Another excellent work Mike. The realism of your painting is exceptional and inspirational.
cheers Chris

Always grateful for your feedback & support.
Hope the New Year is special one for you & yours.

Outstanding! Not much else you can say

Thanks for commenting Scott, was a bit rusty but he’s help get me moving again.

HAPPY 2024 TO EVERYONE!!

 

[Nap]

Hi Mike

What’s not to like , excellent painting and great weathering and presentation, the bandage is a fine addition

Yannick has a incredible collection of original items and is a pleasure to follow on social media

A wonderful tribute to the brave men

Thanks for sharing

Looking forward to seeing more from your bench

Happy benchtime

Nap

 

[MoboSchreuder]

Beautiful done

Mobo

 

[NigelR]

Wow, that has to be up there with your best work Mike. I really like the way you handled the textures, the horizon blue coat is fantastic, you've really captured the texture and colour of that so well. The flesh and the wound area are beautifully handled, and I like the weathering on the helmet.

A great way to start 24, looking forward to seeing more

 

[Rocco82]

Outstanding Mike. Fine work mate. The textures are top notch.

Lovely style Awesome.

 

[clubcat]

Goodness, that is mighty fine. Especially like the helmet, coat and scarf.
Melanie

 

[Ferris]

Exellent work Mike. A particular highlight for me is the embroidery on the collar. Very realistic!

Adrian

 

[KenBoyle]

Amazing work Mike!

Cheers,
Ken

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Hi Mike
What’s not to like , excellent painting and great weathering and presentation, the bandage is a fine addition
Yannick has a incredible collection of original items and is a pleasure to follow on social media
A wonderful tribute to the brave men
Thanks for sharing
Looking forward to seeing more from your bench
Happy benchtime
Nap

Thanks Nap, yep Yannick’s collection & shares are something to marvel at 100yrs on. So young & so passionate about the era, quite amazing. Pleased with bandage using plumbers thread tape, not easy to use but effective. Got more on one of next project wrapping around a desert sore. ;-)
MikeTheKiwi

Beautiful done , Mobo

Amazing work Mike! Cheers, Ken

Thanks for Comments Mobo & Ken
Happy ‘24 to you both

 

[Briggsy]

Really cracking figure, love how you've handled this.

Cheers Simon

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Really cracking figure, love how you've handled this.
Cheers Simon

Cheers back to you Simon - thanks for taking time to comment.

Outstanding Mike. Fine work mate. The textures are top notch. Lovely style Awesome.

Thanks Rocco, try hard to bring texturing & surface appearance to my miniatures in an authentic way. Nice knowing these look OK in this little Poilu.

Goodness, that is mighty fine. Especially like the helmet, coat and scarf. Melanie

Value your comment Melanie.
Each of these items were particular focus to help give him a French soldier style & individuality.

Happy ‘24 to each of you too.
MikeTheKiwi

 

[MalcC]

Excellent work Mike, the detailing is superb.

Malc

 

[Mike - The Kiwi]

Excellent work Mike, the detailing is superb.
Malc

Thanks Malc, he was a fun project done in relatively quick time over my festive break.

Wow, that has to be up there with your best work Mike. I really like the way you handled the textures, the horizon blue coat is fantastic, you've really captured the texture and colour of that so well. The flesh and the wound area are beautifully handled, and I like the weathering on the helmet.

A great way to start 24, looking forward to seeing more

Appreciate your comments here Nigel & nice for us to both be sharing Poilus. There was a time when these guys were rarely covered in miniature. Such a travesty.
Had a lot of fun trying to convey effects with such a small bust, particularly liked doing helmet & getting something a bit different from normal to show smooth profile & detail on these with crown.
Adding wound with raggedy bandage nice challenge too.
Again thanks!

Exellent work Mike. A particular highlight for me is the embroidery on the collar. Very realistic!
Adrian

Thank you Adrian too for your note.
Interesting you picked up on embroidery. “224” Unit Number & small dot was actually done with thickened acrylic paint built up in layers. Often use this for this type of effect & seems to work with bit of patient Check&Adjust.

MikeTheKiwi